St. George’s Church of England Academy, located in Middleton St George, Darlington, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on 15 and 16 February 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has a strong Christian ethos that permeates its operations, fostering an environment of respect and tolerance among pupils. Behaviour in the school is described as calm and orderly, with pupils demonstrating high expectations of one another.
The school has made significant strides in developing partnerships with parents and carers, ensuring that families receive timely pastoral support when needed. Feedback from parents indicates a positive reception to these efforts. St. George’s offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including a well-regarded history club and various sports clubs, with pupils achieving notable success in competitions, such as reaching the national schools’ football final.
In the past year, the school has experienced leadership changes, with new leaders quickly identifying strengths and areas for improvement. They have established a shared vision for providing high-quality education to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. While there have been declines in standards, particularly in Year 6 progress data, the foundation for improvement is being laid. Leaders have mapped out the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn, particularly in subjects like mathematics and history, where teachers effectively support pupils’ understanding.
However, there are areas that require further development. Teachers do not consistently check that pupils have retained key knowledge, which can hinder their learning progression. The curriculum is broad, but some subjects need further enhancement, and leaders are aware of this and have plans to address it. In early years, children are introduced to phonics early in their schooling, which aids their reading fluency. Leaders closely monitor progress in phonics and provide additional support for pupils who may be falling behind.
Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, with teachers breaking tasks into manageable steps. The school has recently implemented a new personal, social, and health education curriculum that emphasizes diversity, respect, and healthy relationships. Regular opportunities for reflection on personal experiences are provided through lessons and assemblies.
The safeguarding arrangements at St. George’s are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify signs of potential harm. The school’s curriculum includes education on safety in the local environment, and checks are conducted to ensure that all adults working with pupils are suitable.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that pupils have more opportunities to revisit and reinforce important knowledge, as some pupils struggle to recall what they have learned. Leaders are taking appropriate steps to implement necessary changes, and while some initiatives are new and require time to embed, there is a clear commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all pupils. The academy council plays an active role in governance, and their engagement with the school’s recent changes is crucial for ongoing improvement. Overall, St. George’s Church of England Academy is positioned well for future growth and development, with a strong commitment to providing quality education and support for its pupils.
